Daniel 5 – THE FALL OF A KING
GOD REJECTED – Vss. 1-4
There was a drinking party. King Belshazzar called for the sacred vessels taken out of the Temple in Jerusalem. While desecrating the sacred vessels the people also praised their false Gods. The true God was obviously being rejected.
THE PROPHET REMEMBERED – Vss. 5-12
This was a time of fear and confusion. The fingers of a man’s hand appear and write on the wall.
This was also a time when others couldn’t help. The Queen Mother remembered Daniel after all the wise men of Babylon could not tell the king the meaning of the writing on the wall. Isn’t it interesting how often people turn to God only after all other possible sources of help have been depleted?
THE KING REBUKED – Vss. 13-31
Compliment – Vss. 13-16 – The king had heard of Daniel and his ability. He offered great reward if Daniel would interpret the writing on the wall.
Comparison – Vss. 17-23 – Daniel tells the story of Nebuchadnezzar who had been disciplined by God and repented, humbling himself before God. (See Daniel 4.) By contrast, Belshazzar rebelled against God and hadn’t repented.
Condemnation – Vss. 24-31 – The handwriting on the wall was interpreted. Belshazzar is judged and found wanting. His kingdom was taken from him.